Gateway to Minnesota History

Book Launch: “The Last Bookseller” paperback edition with Gary Goodman

Washington County Heritage Center 1862 South Greeley St, Stillwater, MN, United States

Gary Goodman returns to launch the paperback version of his book "The Last Bookseller!" Many remember his store St. Croix Antiquarian Books in Stillwater, a mainstay on Main Street for 27 years. Gary will present on the book and tell stories about the wild world of buying and selling used and rare books.  Hosted in […]

“Bridge Over Troubled Water” with author and retired law enforcement officer L.C. Simon

Washington County Heritage Center 1862 South Greeley St, Stillwater, MN, United States

L.C. Simon releases his new book “Bridge Over Troubled Water,” a fictional piece based on true events from his decades in law enforcement working on behalf of children. Hosted in partnership with Valley Bookseller, who will have Simon's book available for purchase at the event.   Free! Attend in-person OR on Zoom (see Zoom link […]

Saving Your Stuff: How to Care for Art, Heirlooms, and Personal Collections with Megan Narvey

Washington County Heritage Center 1862 South Greeley St, Stillwater, MN, United States

Learn about the “ten agents of deterioration” and how to preserve and protect the things you value. There will be a presentation followed by an open question and answer period. Recommendations for how to find additional resources will be provided at the event. About the presenter:  Megan Narvey is the Outreach Conservator at the Minnesota […]

Swedish Christmas Craft Sunday

Washington County Heritage Center 1862 South Greeley St, Stillwater, MN, United States

Come celebrate the holiday season, Swedish style! This festive day will include making these three very simple paper craft tree ornaments, drinking hot chocolate, munching on Christmas cookies, and enjoying Gammelgården's brand new Swedish Christmas exhibit in Community Corner.   The event is free and no registration is required. All ages are welcome! All craft […]

Free

The Last Man’s Club of Company B with Mike Frain

Washington County Heritage Center 1862 South Greeley St, Stillwater, MN, United States

Charles Lockwood A bittersweet tradition that stemmed from the Civil War was an organization called The Last Man's Club. Civil War reenactor and longtime WCHS volunteer Mike Frain will present on this club that began as a group of friends and became legendary. The men of Company B of the First Minnesota Volunteer Infantry Regiment […]

Annual Ice Cream Social

Ruth Smart at the 1953 Ice Cream Social   Two GREAT reasons to have an ice cream social in the winter: no mosquitos and no melting ice cream! Come celebrate winter, the rich history of our area and our fun-loving community.   The ice cream and root beer floats & coffee are free to everyone! […]

Stillwater’s Last Lumber Baron with Bill McGrath

Washington County Heritage Center 1862 South Greeley St, Stillwater, MN, United States

In-person attendees: 1862 Greeley Street South Stillwater, MN 55082 Virtual attendees: Link to WCHS YouTube page

Black Pioneers of Washington County with Brent Peterson

Washington County Heritage Center 1862 South Greeley St, Stillwater, MN, United States

  WCHS Executive Director Brent Peterson will be presenting stories about Black pioneers in the St. Croix Valley and the early trails that they blazed in a multitude of social and entrepreneurial arenas. Among these stories is a man named Charles Jackson, a newly freed slave turned businessman who followed the Minnesota Regiment to Stillwater […]

Balancing on a Hair with Evonne Bilotta-Burke and JoJamba Matthews

Washington County Heritage Center 1862 South Greeley St, Stillwater, MN, United States

Art by Ariel Rucker-Ehlers via the LA Times   Hair.   A natural part of who we are, how we present in the world, and the understanding of why it is so personal to individuals and racial groups around the world.   Hair, especially for Black, African, and African-American women, has traditionally been subject to […]

Women’s Groups of the St. Croix Valley

Washington County Heritage Center 1862 South Greeley St, Stillwater, MN, United States

Who run the world? Girls!   Women have been gathering together since the beginning of time to promote learning, personal growth, civic duty and volunteerism. Come learn about and celebrate historical and current women's groups in the Stillwater area that truly make the world go 'round.   Presenters include the Women's Reading Club, Women's Business […]

Black & White Movie Night: Three Comedies!

Washington County Heritage Center 1862 South Greeley St, Stillwater, MN, United States

Black & White Movie Night is back! This time we present three classic short subjects: two featuring Mabel Normand, the Queen of Silent Film Comedy, and one in which Buster Keaton plays dozens of characters. Charlie Chaplin and Fatty Arbuckle also make appearances. Be prepared to spend an hour laughing! Actress Mabel Normand from Ziegfeld. […]

WAITING LIST ONLY: Washington County Historical Society’s Annual Meeting and Dinner

Stillwater Event Center 1910 Greeley Street South, Stillwater, MN, United States

This event is SOLD OUT, but we are taking waiting list reservations. Please call the Heritage Center at 651-439-2298 or email information@wchsmn.org to be added to the waiting list. Thanks!   Tickets: Reservations are required. $25 per person if you are a WCHS member  $30 per person if you are not a WCHS member Click here […]